Biodiversity Officer - 35161

Biodiversity Officer - 35161
1
South West
Exeter
DEFRA GRP EA MANLEY HOUSE, EX2 7LQ
Staff Grade 4
Fixed Term
Environment & Sustainability
Full Time
£34,320 Pro-rata

10/06/2026, 23:55 hours

ER04 Job Family Role Profile Environment & Regulation, Grade 4

Basic Check

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our Fisheries, Biodiversity and Geomorphology team as a Biodiversity Officer covering Devon on a 12‑month maternity cover contract. 

We work with government, local authorities, businesses and communities to make our environment cleaner, safer and healthier for people and wildlife. Addressing the causes and impacts of climate change is central to what we do, and biodiversity plays a key role in building resilience. 

In this role, you will use your technical biodiversity expertise and influencing skills to support our operational and project teams, ensuring we operate in compliance with environmental legislation while protecting and enhancing Devon’s diverse habitats and species. You will work closely with field teams and other internal functions, as well as providing advice to external partners and stakeholders. 

Additionally, you will: 

- Provide internal and external consultations on biodiversity matters across a range of Environment Agency activities 
- Support operational field teams to ensure works are compliant with legislation and environmental best practice 
- Screen and advise on programmes, plans and projects for biodiversity impacts 
- Provide expert input on permits, consents, licences and planning applications 
- Identify opportunities to achieve multiple environmental benefits, including nature-based solutions and natural flood management 
- Integrate biodiversity enhancements into plans, projects and strategies

Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be asked to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment, and full training will be available to support you with your incident role.  

You'll be part of a passionate, collaborative and knowledgeable Fisheries, Biodiversity and Geomorphology team, covering Devon. This team sit within Local Operations Directorate and the Water, Land and Biodiversity Department.  

The team plays a key role in supporting flood and coastal risk management, asset maintenance, environmental improvement programmes and partnership projects. We work closely with operational teams and external partners to deliver habitat creation, river restoration, and environmental compliance across the area. 

We're looking for an individual with strong technical knowledge and the ability to work collaboratively across teams and with partners. 


- Educated to degree level in an environmental discipline, or equivalent practical experience 


- Strong knowledge of biodiversity, water dependent habitats and species, and their ecological requirements 


- Good understanding of environmental legislation including Habitats Regulations, Wildlife and Countryside Act, Water Framework Directive and related policy 


- Experience of providing advice or consultation on environmental impacts, ideally within an operational or regulatory context 


- Ability to work effectively with field teams and influence positive environmental outcomes 


- Knowledge of riverine processes and an appreciation of engineering and mitigation approaches 


- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with experience of building effective working relationships 


- Ability to manage workload and deliver outcomes to time 


- Knowledge of invasive species 


Knowledge of natural capital and the ecosystems approach would be advantageous. 

This is a full time fixed term assignment until end of July 2027 to provide maternity cover – Internal candidates, must seek agreement from your line manager to apply for this role.  

The role will be based at Manley House, Devon, with flexible and hybrid working supported. Travel across the area will be required. 

We offer a competitive salary, flexible working, 25 days annual leave and an excellent pension scheme. 

Please read the candidate pack and generic role profile for more information.  

Any queries, please contact tracy.lapthorn@environment-agency.gov.uk 
 
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions. 
 
Interviews will be held in person at Manley House on Tuesday 30th May and Wednesday 1st July, but this may be subject to change.  

Up to 31/07/2027
Influences and Persuades Others
Description:

Presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.

Question:

In this role you will need to influence and persuade others to help deliver environmental outcomes.
Tell us about a time when you have worked with others and won them over to achieve a successful outcome?
Achieves Results
Description:

Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results.

Question:

In this role, you will need to support the team and deliver pieces of work which sometimes have a strict deadline. Tell us about a time when you had to deliver a piece of work which had a set timescale: what was it and how did you achieve it? Were there any setbacks that you had to overcome? How did you ensure the desired outcome was achieved?
Legislative Knowledge
Description:

You should be aware and knowledgeable about the legislation affecting the aquatic environment, especially protected species and habitats. A good knowledge of legislation pertinent to biodiversity goals are important.

Question:

Please describe with an example how you have used, or would expect to use, your knowledge of legislation to contribute to the protection or enhancement of the environment.
Yes – Full UK driving licence is essential and must be held prior to commencement
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the  Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

This Vacancy is closed to applications.